Gym club optimistic on complex

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South Canterbury Gymsports could know as early as next month whether they have secured the Century Pool site as their new home, while the hydroslide could also be on the move.

Gymsports' was the only serious proposal received by the Timaru District Council and council staff have been working with the group, and will put a recommendation to the council next month.

The council twice advertised for expressions of interest, the first more than two years ago, and it extended the second deadline to ensure any community group interested had time to apply.

South Canterbury Gymsports spokesperson David Fridd said they had been "to and fro" with the council providing information but it was looking positive.

The proposal is to turn the complex, minus the pools, into a "movement excellence centre" as a permanent base for interested gymnastics clubs. It could also incorporate other movement sports such as martial arts and other activities including yoga, over-60s exercise groups and Scouts or Guides might also use the facility.

Mr Fridd said meeting rooms would also be available for other sports, if not being used.

Century Pool closed in early July. The council has confirmed it is in negotiations with a "not-for-profit" organisation from outside Timaru who approached it about purchasing the hydroslide, which was build through a community project.

The council was not in a position to say exactly who.

The Hydroslide Charitable Trust fundraised $160,000, including a quick-build house, and took a loan of $130,000 from the council, which was finally repaid in 2008 by ticket sales to the slide and ownership of the hydroslide transferred to council.